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Day: February 16, 2015

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steam power of the 19th century and taking place in a recognizable historical period or a fantasy world. (dictionary.com)

Think of Diana Wynne Jones’s Howl’s Moving Castle.

(the observations of Mike Perschon at steampunkscholar)

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So how can you Steampunk President’s Day?

1. Steampunk fiction allows time travel and alternate time lines. Traditionally Steampunk fiction involves the Victorian era, but for this assignment we will include earlier times.

2. Steampunk fiction allows anachronistic technology. This means that devices from today (modified by your imagination) can travel with your characters back to the desired time.

3. Don’t forget that in Steampunk fiction females and minorities are able to take on new, more liberated roles. Typical submissive females are allowed to assert themselves.

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An interesting read:

Now, go write your Steampunk story! Need a suggestion? Perhaps you could write about a fictitious visit to Thomas Jefferson at Monticello in Virginia. Bring him a computer and a cell phone.